Click here for Monthly PC tip!
The Farmers internet is here!
Farmers
has begun activating the IPN lines that will make your AS/400 internet
accessable. Once you receive the Internet Protocol Network PC Configuration
Guide your
AS/400 will be internet ready. *If you already have a LAN set up at your
office, I recommend consulting your Network Administrator. Farmers does
not support personal LAN's so keep this in mind before connecting to the
AS/400 hub. I am available for assisting agents with connecting their
pc's directly to the AS/400, but cannot assist with LAN's.
If you would like assistance connecting your AS/400 to the internet please call me at (281)491-8484. Prior to my arrival you will need to make sure your pc('s) meet the minimum requirements stated in the Configuration Guide, along with having a network (NIC) card installed. Your office may also need Cat5 wiring completed before I arrive. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I also want to say "great job!". Our district has over 70% activation of the ACMS marketing programs. Please feel free to contact me if you feel your office needs refresher courses in ClientVision and/or the ACMS marketing programs. With the new IBM InfoPrint laser printers, marketing through ClientVision is one of the best ways to cross-sell to your customers along with keeping your retention rate high.
Until next time,
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Initializing
a Tape
Full or Entire System Backup
Weekly Backups
Saving ClientVision Database
Adding Users
Screen Locks Up/Blank Screen
Dot-Matrix Printing Issues
Reclaim Storage Procedure
Deleting Old ClientVision Databases
Deleting Old User Profiles
Agency Dashboard Mail Merges
Other FAQ's for Agency Dashboard
AS/400
Backing
up AS/400; ClientVision.
To
protect your agency from losing vital information and to cut down on recovery
procedures after a major system failure, each office should be conducting
three system backups. *Remember
to initialize your tape before conducting your initial backup on that
tape.
1. Insert the 2.5 GB tape into the AS/400 tape
drive and close the door.
2. Go to the AIMS Home Menu and select option
44 (Initialize Tapes) and press enter.
3. Match the screen to the following:
Tape Device TAP01
New Volume Identifier SYSTEM
New Owner Identifier *BLANK
Volume Identifier *MOUNTED
Check for Active Files *NO
Tape Density *QIC2GB
Code *EBCDIC
End of Tape Option *REWIND
Clear
*YES
4. Press ENTER.
(Runs approximately 15 minutes)
Full
or Entire System Backups should be run annually, if
not every 6 months.
1. Initialize tape.
3. Type GO BACKUP and press enter.
Tape Device TAP01
Prompt for commands N
Check
for active files N
Message queue delivery
*NOTIFY
NOTE: If you have
the AS/400e series (states this on front panel of AS/400), you will have
additional prompts. Leave the
defaulted values.
AS/400
Weekly
Backups
The
weekly backups should have been scheduled the day your AS/400 was installed.
This backup will automatically run for you on the scheduled time/day,
usually Saturday’s at around 6:00pm.
The agent must then only be sure to have a 2.5 GB tape labeled
“Weekly Backup” in the AS/400 tape drive.
For extra security it is highly recommended agents have two Weekly
Backup tapes that are rotated weekly in case of fire or other unforeseen
occurrences. *Also note that
other backups, such as Full-System and ClientVision backups require you
to insert specific labeled tapes into the AS/400 drive. Be sure these are removed after the backups
are completed and the Weekly Backup tape is reinserted into the drive
to avoid taping over your last procedure.
To
verify your Weekly Backups are scheduled complete the following:
1. Sign on to system as user QSECOFR password QSECOFR.
2. Type GO BACKUP and press enter.
3. Select option 10 for Set up Backup and press enter.
4. Select option 2 for Change weekly backup options and press enter.
5. Next press F18 for “change schedule”.
Saving
ClientVision Database
The procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes…once complete the main terminal will jump back to your original screen with message XXX objects saved from library V19XXXX. **If you are planning to save a CV library and transfer it to another system, certain AS/400 model considerations may change the SAVLIB procedure. Contact your District AIMS specialist for assistance.
AS/400
Adding
Users to the AS/400
Screen
Locks Up/ Blank Screen
**Note: It is a good idea to write down onto a post-it note your terminals DSP # located at the top right of each session screen and stick it onto your terminal. Doing this prior to having problems will save much time and frustration.
1. Go to
the AIMS Home Menu (option 50).
AS/400
Dot-Matrix Printing Issues
As/400 Memory Issues;
Preventative Maintenance
Reclaim
Storage Procedure
Remember, this will take approximately 2 hours to complete. When finished, sign on screens will reappear.
Return
to top
AS/400
Deleting
Old ClientVision Databases
If you have never done a mail merge before, these step-by-step instructions will walk you right through the process. Once you are working your Customer Alerts daily, and using the mail merge option on a regular basis, you will see that the entire process only takes a few minutes.
Along with the steps to completing a mail merge, we have included some helpful hints that will make this process even easier. We suggest you keep a copy of the instructions at your workstation, so you can have them handy until the process becomes second nature.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Create Contact List
· Click on the appropriate Customer Alert to display a listing
of policies
· From this list, select those customers who will receive the letter
by clicking on the box that appears before each name (a check mark will
appear)
· After all customers have been selected, click on Mail Merge
Step 2: Download Contact List
· Right click on Contact List and select Save Target As
· In the dialog box, select the location on your hard drive where
you would like to save the document. (for example, c:\\My Documents)
Suggestion: Click on the "New Folder" icon and set up a separate
folder where you download your Alert letters. It could be called "Alert
Mail Merges" for example. This will make it easy to located your
letter when you get to the point of merging your policyholder listing
with the actual letter.
· At the end of the file name (custalertdownload) you need to type
the file extension .doc. So before you save this list, the filename in
the dialog box should read "custalertdownload.doc". In some
cases, the file name will display with .txt and the end. You will just
need to deleted the .txt and add .doc
· Click Save
· Click Close
Step 3: Download Letter
· Right click on Form Letter and select Save Target As
· In the dialog box, select the location on your hard drive where
you would like to save the document. If you have already set up a new
folder in Step 2, all you need to do is open that folder.
· Click Save
· Click Close
Step 4: Merge Customer List with Letter
· Open the letter in Microsoft Word by clicking on File and selecting
Open
· In the dialog box, go to the location where you saved the letter.
Again, it will be easily located in the folder you have set up.
· Personalize the letter with your agent name etc.
· Click on Tools at the top of your screen and select Mail Merge
for the Mail Merge dialog box to appear
· In section 1, click on Create, Select Form Letters, and click
on Active Window
· In section 2, click on Get Data and select Open Data Source and
open your contact list ( for example apps_pending_canc)
· In section 3, click on Merge and make sure "New Document"
is highlighted and then click on Merge
Note: If you get an Invalid Merge Field Window, click on OK
· Print or Save letters from this file.
I can't sign on with Internet Explorer 5.5
Symptom: When submitting my User Name and Password I can view the Legal Acknowledgment, but when I click on continue it takes me right back to the log-on screen.
Resolution: This problem may be caused by the computer not having the correct date/time and time zone.
- Locate the time display in the system tray in the lower right hand corner of your screen. Right click on the numbers and a pop-up menu will appear. Select "Adjust Date/Time".
- Use the arrow keys to select the correct time/month/year. Click directly on the calendar date to select the correct date. To check the Time Zone click on the "Time Zone" tab. A map will display with the time zone of your system, i.e. (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada); Tijuana. If the time zone is incorrect, left click on the time zone text and select your geographical time zone.
- Left click on the "OK" button to save your changes. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
How do I clear my Internet Explorer browser cache?
Symptom: When I enter the address of the Agency Dashboard I get a "Page cannot be displayed" error or the content isn't as expected.
Resolution: The browser records when you visit web pages in a web specific way called a browser cache. Here's how to delete the browser memory (cache) and start fresh.
- While in Internet Explorer, go to the "Tools" item in the menu bar and a menu will drop down.
- Select "Internet Options". A small window will appear with the "General" tab divided into three sections: Home page, Temporary Internet Files, and History. In the Temporary Internet Files box click on the "Delete Files" button, a smaller box should appear displaying "Delete all files in the Temporary Internet Files folder?". Click on the "OK" button.
- Close this window and attempt to access the web page again. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
Web page text and pictures overlap
Symptom: When I log-on to the Agency Dashboard the text and page elements overlap and are strangely formatted.
Resolution: This is caused by the text size selected in your browser that is mismatched to the page design. Adjusting the text size will make the page display normally.
- Left click on the "View" menu in the Internet Explorer tool bar. A menu will drop down.
- Highlight "Text Size" and a second menu will appear. There will be five sizes to choose from with a bullet point next to your current size setting. Choose the next size down and check to see if the page now displays normally. If it does not resolve the problem, go to the next size down until it is corrected. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
I can't view Adobe Acrobat documents
Symptom: You've accessed a document that requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Instead of the document a blank white screen within your browser window appears.
Resolution: Reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader browser plug-in.
- Quit your browser by left clicking on the "X" in the upper right corner of all open browser windows.
- Insert the Agency Dashboard CD into your PC CD-ROM drive. In most systems, the program should start up automatically in most systems. If it does not, review the instructions on the CD-ROM jacket to start manually.
- Left click on the "Skip Intro" button.
- The Agency Dashboard screen with 3 red buttons will appear. Click on the "Software You May Need" button.
- The bottom of your screen will read "Advanced Internet users click here to load individual software programs." Left click on the click here link.
- Left click on the "Install Adobe Acrobat Reader" button in the upper right of your screen.
- The Acrobat installer will start up. Follow the installer screen prompts.
- After completion, you will be returned to the Agency Dashboard installer. Left click on the "Main Menu" button in the lower left of your screen. Then, left click on the "Exit" button and confirm you want to quit.
- Restart your browser, log in and attempt to access the Adobe Acrobat document. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
I can't view some content on the Agency Training page
Symptom: You've accessed an Agency Training page that requires the Macromedia Authorware browser plug-in. When you select a course a new window appears with an "Exit Course" link and a flashing "Transferring Data…." message. Then nothing appears to happen.
Resolution: The download of the program may take a few minutes on slower Internet connections. If you do not see the "Transferring Data…." message, a reinstall of the Macromedia Authorware browser plug-in may be required.
- Quit your browser by left clicking on the "X" in the upper right corner of all open browser windows.
- Insert the Agency Dashboard CD into your PC CD-ROM drive. The program should start up automatically in most systems. If it does not, review the instructions on the CD-ROM jacket to start manually.
- Left click on the "Skip Intro" button.
- The Agency Dashboard screen with 3 red buttons will appear. Click on the "Software You May Need" button.
- The bottom of your screen will read "Advanced Internet users click here to load individual software programs." Left click on the click here link.
- Left click on the "Install Authorware Web Player" button in the upper right of your screen.
- The Authorware Web Player installer will start. Follow the installer screen prompts.
- Select your browser version. Currently, only Internet Explorer 4.0 or above is supported on the Agency Dashboard site. Left click on the "Finish" button.
- After completion, you will be returned to the Agency Dashboard installer. Left click on the "Main Menu" button in the lower left of your screen. Then, left click on the "Exit" button and confirm you want to quit.
- Restart your browser, log in and attempt to access the Agency Training course. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
How to view sample documents on Agency Training page
Symptom: You select a sample proposal letter link and you are unable to edit contents to personalize for your agency.
Resolution: To edit content, Microsoft Word or a word processor program capable of reading Word files is required. The Agency Dashboard CD-ROM installs a Word Viewer program that allows you to view the document contents. However, it does not allow you to edit the document contents.
How to change your assigned or current password:
- Starting from the Agency Dashboard log-in screen, left click on the change "Change your password" link.
- A new screen will display. Enter your assigned User Name and left click on the "Submit" button.
- A new screen will display. Enter your current password, your new password and duplicate your new password in the "Confirm PW" field.
- Left click on the "Update" button.
- A confirmation screen will appear. Left click on the "Continue" button.
- You will be logged into the web site with your new password. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
How to reset your Agency Dashboard password:
Note: You must have previously changed your password and entered a "secret question" and answer to reset your own password. If you have not done so, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737) for assistance.
- Starting from the Agency Dashboard log-in screen, left click on the change "Forgot your password?" link.
- Enter your "User Name" and left click submit.
- A new screen will display with your question pre-filled in the "Question" field. Enter your answer in the "Answer" field and left click the on "Submit" button.
- A new screen will display your temporary password. Write this down and left click on the "Continue" button.
- A "Change your password" screen will display. Enter the temporary password in the "Password (PW)" field along with your new password. Duplicate your new password in the "Confirm PW" field. Left click on the "Update" button.
- A confirmation screen will appear. Left click on the "Continue" button.
- You will be logged into the web site with your new password. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
How to view your Agent or District Manager commissions:
- You must be logged on with your Agent or DM User Name. Staff IDs do not display commission information.
- Under your name, left click on "Agency Manager."
- A screen will display your "Statement of Operations." Left click on the "Sales Count" link.
- Look for the button labeled "See Income Details."
- The table will display your latest month and year-to-date commissions. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
How to search for a document in The Reference Center:
- Left click on the "Reference" tab that is below the Farmers logo.
- Look for the text "Search the Reference Center" in the right column under the desk picture. Left click on the "Reference Center" link.
- There are 3 methods you may search: Combination Search, Keyword Search and SRN/Doc ID Search. Select your preferred method and left click on the appropriate "Search" button. If your search doesn't return the expected result, try an alternate method. If unsuccessful, contact the Agent Help Desk at 1-800-NET-USER (800-638-8737).
Montly Personal Computer Tip!
October 2001Step-By-Step: Bulk Up Your PC's RAM
Want a cheap, effective way to improve your PC's performance? Boost the amount of system RAM.For a low-cost, potentially dramatic boost to your system's performance, nothing beats adding memory. And there's never been a better time to do it: RAM prices are amazingly low (about $25 for 128MB at press time), and applications and operating systems continue to demand more and more of it. For Windows XP alone, 128MB is recommended. Add a few concurrently running applications, and it no longer seems ridiculous to equip your PC with 256MB, 512MB, or even more.
Adding RAM makes your PC work better because it makes data instantly available. If you start a task and your PC has insufficient unused RAM to handle the job, Windows copies a dormant task to a swap file on your hard drive, freeing RAM for the new task. Switch to a swapped-out task, and Windows makes it trade places with some other dormant task, causing a significant performance hit.
Most recently made PCs use Dual Inline Memory Modules to hold RAM. Most common are PC-100 (100-MHz) and PC-133 (133-MHz) SDRAM DIMMs. Newer systems based on high-speed AMD processors use PC2100 DDR (double data rate) SDRAM, which runs at 266 MHz. Some Intel-based PCs instead use more expensive Rambus modules (called RIMMs), available in speeds up to 800 MHz.
If your PC is four or five years old, it's probably designed for 66-MHz SDRAM, but you should still be able to use 100-MHz or 133-MHz SDRAM modules. Although they won't work at full speed, they remain the best value. Some older computers use Single Inline Memory Modules for RAM. We show DIMM installation here; SIMMs pivot into their slots and must be installed in pairs.
1. Find out how much RAM your PC has.
Most PCs check RAM as they start up and display the total amount. Alternatively, you can check your system BIOS (details for accessing it vary by PC). Or from within Windows 95 or above, right-click My Computer and select Properties. The amount of RAM is displayed at the bottom of the screen.2. Ground yourself.
Memory modules are extremely sensitive to static electricity--it can destroy them. The safest bet is to purchase an antistatic wrist strap from your local RadioShack. You'll have to unplug your PC in order to work inside it, so you'll need to connect the wrist strap to a ground. Loosen the faceplate of an AC outlet and clip the wrist strap to it. If you opt not to use a wrist strap, touch a grounded metal object before working with your RAM.3. Find the RAM.
Turn off your PC, unplug it, and remove the case. The RAM slots are normally located on the right side of the motherboard toward the front of the case. Use masking tape to mark any cables you remove to get to the slots. Motherboards have two, three, or four RAM slots, each marked by a number on the board. Insert new modules in the lowest-numbered empty slots first.4. Remove old RAM (optional).
The easiest way to upgrade your RAM is to add to what you have. But if all the slots are filled, you'll need to remove some of the old modules. DIMMs have clips on each side. Move the clips to the side, and pull the old modules straight out of the slots. If they feel tight, rock them gently.5. Insert the new RAM.
Note the notches on your DIMMs. Modules fit into slots only one way. Carefully press them in straight down. The clips will snap into place when the DIMMs are fully inserted.6. Power up your PC and check it out.
Don't put the cover back on your PC until you're sure that everything works. Turn the machine on and see if it recognizes the new RAM (see step 1). If your PC fails to recognize the new RAM, locks up, or won't start, turn it off, unplug it, and make sure the memory modules are firmly seated in their slots. If you had to remove cables to install the RAM, make sure you've reconnected them. Defective memory modules are rare. If you still run into problems, call your memory vendor's tech support line.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix different-capacity RAM modules?A: No problem for SDRAM. You can fill your PC's RAM slots with virtually any combination of standard 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, and 256MB modules as long as they're the same type. In fact, it's the best way to upgrade without pulling RAM from your PC.
Rambus memory is different. You can install a single RIMM, but if you're using a Pentium 4 processor, installing in pairs will increase performance through memory interleaving. In this case, RIMM capacities and speeds must match.
Q: Can I mix memory modules of different speeds?
A: Yes. But all modules must be the same type. It's okay to add higher-speed modules; they just won't run at full speed. The most common speeds for SDRAM are 100 MHz and 133 MHz. Rambus modules currently come at speeds of 700 MHz and 800 MHz, and higher-speed modules are expected to become available soon. DDR (double data rate) modules come only in PC1600 (200 MHz) and PC2100 (266 MHz) varieties.
Q: Do I need to fill all the memory slots?
A: Not with SDRAM or DDR RAM. But with Rambus, every slot must be filled. You can buy continuity modules (about $10) that fill Rambus slots without adding memory.
If your PC is more than four or five years old, it probably uses SIMMs, which must be installed in pairs.
Q: Can I mix modules from different manufacturers?
A: Sure, as long as they're the same RAM type. Don't believe dealers who say it can't be done. They want you to buy the RAM they have available, which is usually from one manufacturer.
Q: What's ECC RAM, and should I buy it?
A: Error-Correcting-Code RAM modules have special circuitry that corrects memory errors on the fly. They're used primarily in servers and high-end workstations. ECC SDRAM will work in non-ECC motherboards, but you won't get the benefit of the ECC circuitry, so it doesn't make sense to pay the extra cost.
Q: I just filled my RAM slots with 768MB of RAM. Now my system doesn't work right and locks up.
A: You're running into a problem with Windows or the limitations of your PC's BIOS. Windows 95, 98, 98 SE, and Me aren't designed to work with more than 512MB of RAM. (Windows NT, 2000, and XP don't have this limitation.) If you run into this problem, check out this workaround.
Some older motherboards aren't designed to take 256MB and 512MB RAM modules. Check your manual or your PC manufacturer's Web site; sometimes a BIOS upgrade solves the problem.
Past Computer Tips
Sept. '01: I need to make room on my hard drive. What files can I safely delete?
I can't tell you exactly what files you can safely delete--it's a matter of judgment. But I can give you some general guidelines and advice.
When in doubt, move or compress the file rather than delete it. If you move files you think you don't need to a CD-RW disc or other removable media, or compress them in a .zip file, you'll soon know whether you were wrong about their expendability. If you haven't opened them after two months, delete them.
The chart below contains files that you can probably delete safely, along with the folder you'll find them in. Note: In many cases, the files named are safe to delete only if they reside in the specified folders.
Start your search for deletable files in Windows Explorer. Right-click one of the folders listed in the chart's 'Location' column, and select Find (or Search in Windows Me/2000). In the Find (or Search Results) dialog box's Named field, enter the text that the chart's 'File type' column lists for that folder. If the 'Include subfolders' column in the chart says 'Yes', confirm that the 'Include subfolders' option is selected in the Find dialog box (in Windows Me and 2000, check Advanced Options and make sure Search Subfolders is checked). Click Find Now ( Search Now in Windows Me/2000).
Maximize the search window so it fills your screen. When the search is done, click the Modified column heading to sort the files found by date. You can delete every file that's more than two days old.
You could also use Windows' own Disk Cleanup accessory to delete unneeded files. (Select Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup.) McAfee's QuickClean (demo available in our Downloads library), the CleanSweep utility in Norton SystemWorks, and similar programs do a more thorough job, but they require more work (and more money).